[Elecraft] K3 Internal Keyer vs. Straight Key

[WILLIS COOKE]

That cable is the one you use if you want to use computer keying with the DTR 
pin of the serial port.  You will use it if you use the N3FJP macros or the 
computer keyboard to key the transceiver.  You don't use it if you want to key 
with a straight key or bug.
 Willis 'Cookie' Cooke 
K5EWJ 




________________________________
From: KE8G <KE8G at cox.net>
To: WILLIS COOKE <wrcooke at yahoo.com>
Sent: Sun, September 5, 2010 8:11:44 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Internal Keyer vs. Straight Key


Willis,
Sorry, I guess a poor choice of words on my part.  The cable is a serial-to-1/4 
jack plug.  Here's what is on the N3FJP website regarding this setup:
 
The serial module has been designed to provide a hardware link to the 
transceiver from your computer's DB-9 serial port using the DTR (pin 4 of the 
DB-9 connector) lead as the active signal and SGND (pin 5) as reference ground. 
The parallel module uses pin 17 as the active signal and pin 1 as ground.
 "Please note that these units replace the STRAIGHT KEY. To function properly, 
you must turn off the transceiver's automatic keyer and plug the unit into the 
STRAIGHT KEY socket. Keying is accomplished by the tip and sleeve of the Keying 
Module plug in the same manner as a straight key would do."
 
I can see on my ICOM 746Pro, I would need to go into the menu setup and change 
to a Straight Key configuration.  But, I'm not sure with the K3, as it has the 
"Paddle" input and the separate "Key" input.
 
So, in my mind (and I could be wrong) I can leave my paddles plugged in, and 
also plug in the new cable into the "key" input for the computer.
 
 
Also, if that's not the case, how do I turn off the K3 internal keyer?
Jim
----- Original Message ----- 
>From: WILLIS COOKE 
>To: KE8G ; Elecraft at mailman.qth.net 
>Sent: Sunday, September 05, 2010 8:57 PM
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Internal Keyer vs. Straight Key
>
>
>Jim, you have me confused.  What is a Serial to Straight Key Cable?  The 
>software you are using has nothing to do with a straight key.  All you need to 
>have is a two wire cable or a center and shield connected between the key and 
>the Key Input.  You need to turn the internal keyer off if you are using a rig 
>that has a single input for key and paddle to tell the transceiver which you 
>plan to use.  I use mostly a straight key or bug with my K3 and seldom use the 
>internal keyer, but if you have paddles, just plug them in to the paddle input 
>and key with which ever key you feel like or swap back and forth.  You can 
>parallel several straight keys and bugs and switch every sentence if you feel 
>like it.
> Willis 'Cookie' Cooke 
>K5EWJ 
>
>
>
>
>
________________________________
From: KE8G <KE8G at cox.net>
>To: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>Sent: Sun, September 5, 2010 7:32:08 PM
>Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Internal Keyer vs. Straight Key
>
>Dumb question here!
>
>I have a K3/100 #4401 and I am using N3FJP software.  I just purchased the 
>Serial to Straight key cable. The setup instructions says the internal keyer 
>must be turned off.  I see nothing in the manual on how to do that.
>
>Also, on the rear panel there is an input for paddles and one marked key.  I 
>believe that is for a straight key/PC, etc.
>
>How do I turn off the internal keyer?
>Or, can I keep the paddles connected (use when desired), plug the cable in the 
>"key" input and use the software & PC?  Have both connected at the same time?
>
>Thanks in advance,
>Jim - KE8G
>73
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